BiblicalMastery Buddy's bible blog

Lesson 5

The Importance of Relationships

1 Timothy 5:1-25

 

One of the most difficult decisions that families have to make today is what to do for aging parents. Unlike years ago many are not in the position to take that parent into their homes because both husband and wife work. Another problem comes when the children have medical issues themselves. My brother and I recently faced a similar situation. Our mother reached a point that she could no longer take care of herself. She still however wanted her independence, which was not possible because she could no longer drive. Within a year of moving her into an assisted living facility she declined to the point where she needed twenty-four hours care. Fortunately, we found a place that was able to tend to her in the way that my family was not able to do because of the severity of her condition. Of course we asked ourselves were we doing the best for her. That thought surely goes through the mind of millions of families every single year. Each of those families has to weigh all of the issues before making a decision. I could go on and on about what to do. One thing is for sure that all of us will reach a time when our own children will face the same dilemma.

 

How does the church figure in all of this? Today we pretty much leave the treatment of widows to their families which is according to the Bible is the proper thing to do. However, we also do not feel any responsibility towards those who have no one else to help them. We have pretty much abdicated our need to help widows often leaving them to take care of themselves. When all else fails the last option is sometimes going into facilities run by the government. All of this indicates that whether we agree with all of the means to provide for the elderly there is a safety net that was not available in the time when Paul wrote to Timothy.

 

1 Timothy 5:1-2

In these two verses Paul deals with the way Timothy is to treat every age group under his watch. He had already dealt with the way the young man should view his own role. The church was not to demean him because of his youthfulness. Now the tables are turned. He then indicated the way he was to deal with each age group and gender in the church.

 

One of the things that is lacking, even in the church, is respect for those who are older or in position of authority. Paul commanded Timothy to look at older men in the way one would look at his own father. He was never to harshly criticize such a man. Other words that might be used would be condemnation, denunciation, censure and reprimand.

 

He then called him to work with those about his age, as brothers. Older women were to be viewed in the same way he would his own mother Eunice. Younger women were to be seen as sisters. The term used was purity to describe his interaction with them. This meant that his thoughts were to be not focused on the physical, which would lead to trouble. They were to be seen as a holy child of God. He was also to be protective of their reputations.

 

1. How do we show respect for those older than we?
2. What are the ways we indicate we do not have regard for those who are older or in positions of authority over us?
3. In what ways do you set an example for those who are your brothers in Christ?
4. How can our behavior hurt our witness and cause others to turn their backs on Christ?
5. What is to be our behavior in the presence of those of the opposite sex?
6. How do we keep from hurting the view that others have of the church in this regard?

 

1 Timothy 5:3-5

There was an issue that was prevalent because of the disregard the pagan world had for those who had no family. He laid out how the widows were to be treated based on their particular situations. Before the church became involved there were certain facts that needed to be addressed. If the women had children or grand- children they were to provide for the widow. This is the way according to Paul that God wanted it.

 

There was also the woman who was totally alone and trusted God for her provisions. She had proven her character by her actions. She was a prayer warrior. An example of that kind of woman was Anna, who Luke wrote about in Luke 2:36-39.

 

1. Why did Paul feel it necessary to speak to the issue of widowhood?
2. What is the characteristics of a widow who should receive support from the church?
3. Who should have responsibility for widows before the church gets involved?
4. Who is an example of the kind of person the church would be called on to support? (Anna in Luke 2:36-39)
5. What are the ways a church can support widows?

 

1 Timothy 5:6-7

Just the opposite of the widow described above is the one who upon becoming a widow began to live an ungodly worldly life. One commentator compared such a woman with the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. The word used here is wanton which means uncontrolled and undisciplined life. Her emotions would determine decisions made in opposition to God. Paul considered such women as dead to the faith. Timothy was to confront the one who lived in that way.

 

1. How is this woman different than the one mentioned in verses 3-5?
2. What does it mean to live a wanton life? (to be undisciplined and without control in her actions)
3. How did Paul view this woman?
4. In what ways have you done those things described by the word “wanton?”
5. Who was another example of a person who lived this way? (The prodigal son.)

 

1 Timothy 5:8

Returning to the support a widow was to receive. The family that did not take care of its own, had hardened its heart toward someone in need. John wrote about this in 1 John 2:9-11. If a person does not love his family enough to take care of them then he or she does not love God.

 

1. Why does Paul speak so strongly against those who not provide for its family? (It is a strong indication of the lack of love.)
2. What does John calls us to do in 1 John 2:9-11)
3. How do we fail to show love to our Christian family?

 

1 Timothy 5:9-10

Paul went on to give the characteristic of the woman he considered to be a true widow. They were to be:

• Over 60 years old. Not particularly looking to get married and would be a position to serve.
• The wife of one man.
• One who had a reputation for good works
• A mother or one who had taken in unwanted children.
• One who showed hospitality to strangers. Important because the inns of those days were dangerous, dirty, expensive and immoral places.
• One who washed the feet of saints. Had a servant’s heart.
• One who assisted those in distress
• One who had devoted herself to every good work.

 

1. What do the characteristics listed by Paul show us about these women?
2. Why were they so important? (Showed the true heart of the woman)
3. Which of these stand out as an example of what the church can do today?
4. Which of them may match up with a spiritual gift you believe God has given you?

 

1 Timothy 5:11-15

In contrast to the description given to the women above those under 60 were disqualified from being in the roles of widows. Following are the reason they were to be excluded. All had to do with the fact that those women could possibly consider remarrying if the opportunity presented itself. By doing so they would walk away from the commitment to serve they had previously made. With time on their hands they might then become idol gossips and busybodies.

 

To keep from being caught up in that kind of sinful behavior, Paul encouraged the younger women to marry, have children and spend time taking care of her household. The devil then would not find fertile ground for bringing reproach on herself.   There was already examples in Ephesus of women to taken the wrong path away from Christ to follow Satan.

 

1. Why did Paul exclude women under 60 from the list of widows?
2. What did Paul call her to do?
3. Why was this command a positive thing in the lives of these women? (The life of anyone is to be filled with something. To be idle opened the door for Satan to come into a life)
4. How did Paul know that it could happen?
5. What are the things you do to keep Satan from gaining a foothold in your life?

 

1 Timothy 5:16

If a woman agrees to take care of other widows, Paul warns that they are to follow through on their commitment. To do so allowed the church to provide for those who were really in need.

 

1. Why was it important for a person follow through on the commitment to take care of widows?
2. Why is it important for you to follow through on commitments that you have made?
3. What happens when we you neglect to be responsible?

 

1 Timothy 5:17-18

The Elder, overseer was to receive honor from the church. If they were involved in the teaching and preaching they were to be paid for their services. The reference to the ox was found in Deuteronomy 25:4. The ox was allowed to eat the grain that it was helping to be threshed. The one who preached was certainly equal to but in reality provided a greater service to those among whom they worked.

 

1. Who would be considered the elder who receives payment for his service?
2. Why do they receive a salary?
3. What did Paul mean by his reference to the ox on the threshing floor?
4. What is the reward others receive for their service in the church?

 

1 Timothy 5:19

Paul applies the principle found in the Old Testament. No man was to be declared guilty of an act without the testimony of at least two witnesses. The Roman also used this idea in their justice system. Here is one of the great dangers of the church. Many a church leader has been dismissed and possibly had his ministry destroyed on the basis of one person having an agenda against him. A church that will allow this practice to go on is one where God cannot be at work. These are strong words, but the Old Testament idea of not touching the anointed of God holds sway.

 

One advantage of the Elder team approach is the practice of each man holding all of the others accountable for his actions and words. This will hopefully stop anyone individual from causing damage to the reputation of a leader.

1. Why was it necessary to present this principle here? (The false teachers had little regard for him.)
2. What other examples can be found where the destructive criticism of one man caused problems? (3 John is one. Corinthians was written partially to speak to those trying to undermine Paul’s work. Jesus was basically condemned on the testimony of Judas in the betrayal.)
3. How can we stop that sort of activity if it should arise in our church?
4. What do you see as one of the advantages of the elder team approach to church leadership?

 

1 Timothy 5:20-22

Nearing the end of his instructions Paul gives some sundry commands that cover different topics. They include:

• Calling attention to those who continue to live in sin so others will be fearful of following the actions of those people.
• Maintaining the principles he has laid out in this letter before God
• Not acting in a way that is partial to any one person or groups of people.
• Taking his time in commissioning a person to ministry. If that person fails then it looks bad for Timothy.

 

1. What is the way a man should be disciplined in the church? (See Matthew 18:15-17)
2. Why was Timothy to follow what Paul had said in this letter? (Sound advice to help him lead the church.)
3. Why are we not to show partially to one group over another?
4. Why is it a problem to put a person in a position of leadership until he has proven himself in service?
5. Why is a secular resume not always a good indication of a person being able to lead effectively in a church?

 

1 Timothy 5:23

Evidently Timothy was not a strong person and was sick often. Bodily weakness can often affect the way one serves. Paul was giving his protégé a remedy to help him continue in the work.

 

1. What affect can bodily weakness, including a person’s mental state, have on his ability to serve?
2. What did this one verse say about Paul’s relationship to Timothy?
3. How do we encourage those involved in the service of the church?
4. How do we show that we care about their physical, mental and spiritual state?
5. Why is it so important to do so?

 

1 Timothy 5:24-25

There is a contrast between sins and good deeds. Both of them will be evident before men. Sin leads to judgment. It will also continue to cause those who come after the sinner to stumble and fall. On the other hand good deeds are also evident to the benefit to all who sees them.

 

1. In a person’s life what will become evident to others? (sin and good deeds.)
2. What are the results of the one who sins? (Judgment and misleading others to follow.
3. What are the results in a person’s life of performing good deeds? (They also will be evident leading to others following behind in the same manner of conduct.)
4. Which of these two reflect your life?
5. Why is it so important to expose those who continue to live in sin?

 

• Before speaking to someone, slow down and think how you would want to be treated if you were older, younger, male or female and treat the other person accordingly. It will take practice but it can be done.
• Keep yourself pure in your relationship with those of the opposite sex. Remember especially for men remember that the girl is a daughter or sister of someone else and put yourself in the position of that father or brother.
• Be willing to help provide for those who are truly in need. Remember it may cost time and money but the reward of knowing that you have loved your neighbor as yourself will be well worth the effort.
• Pray for others in who are going through difficult times and then put your prayers into action.

 

We may not be faced with all of the situations about which Paul spoke in this lesson. As mentioned in the first section somehow churches have gotten away from personal involvement with those in need. There are so many parachurch organizations that provide services that we forget that there are those within our church family who are in need of physical and spiritual help. Part of the ministry is to determine who has genuine needs and give support to them.

 

The other lesson that we can glean from this lesson is how we can make progress in being a unified body. This of course depends on the way we view each other from the leadership all the way to the guest that honors us with his or her attendance. We know the enemy we face should not be from within the body of believers. Having a common adversary is to draw us closer to each other in brotherly love. Yes, we may have strong open discussions among ourselves but in the end we come together to reach a world that so desperately has what we have to offer. There is no other place where the good news of Jesus Christ can be taught. No other organization can offer salvation for the soul. None of that can or will happen unless we are of one mind, body and spirit with Christ. This is the goal to which we are to strive to accomplish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 4

Strong in Battle

1 Timothy 4:1-16

 

I do not know how many of you have gone to a Christian bookstore or gone on line to see what the current church member has available to him. Aside from what you would expect, Bibles, commentaries and other study resources, the vast majority of books by serious students of Christianity and the church are about church stagnation and death of those entities. One title of one book by a well-known Southern Baptist authority is “Autopsy of a Dying Church.” Others deal with young people leaving and not returning to the church. There was another important view is found in “They are Already Gone” by Ken Ham or “True Matters” by three college professors. Why is it necessary in the minds of these men to continually write about the state of the church?

 

For years I have felt that one underlying cause is what Paul has addressed in 1 Timothy. We have moved away from the truths found in God’s word. Most of us do not know what is found there or take the time to study, meditate on it or even read it, as we should. As I have taught over the years the one thing that I have consistently said and believe is absolutely true is that it is imperative that we spend considerable time in His word. By doing so we will never be swept up by the false teaching that is being rampant in our society today.

 

Churches are facing challenges today for which we are not prepared to handle. For all too long we have bought into the idea that all we have to do is get people into church and our job is done. We have left a vacuum in the lives of people that has been filled with too much that is not true. Unless we once again take seriously that our task is to make disciples who in turn make disciples. Let’s look at how Paul viewed the work that must be carried out and the church and the people responsible to do so.

 

1 Timothy 4:1

If one reads the Bible there is a thread throughout, that history is coming to a point of crisis. Paul is clear on what has come from God’s Spirit. In the last days there is going to be a falling away from the faith. The word used for falling away is apostasy. It is necessary to understand that those about whom Paul spoke were men and women who had known the truth and may have even professed they were Christians. Jesus dealt with the events of the end times a number of times, especially in Matthew 25. Rather than looking to God for direction those who turned away from the church were following the false teachings of those who were the mouthpieces of demons.

 

1. Where is all of history pointing? (To the setting up God’s eternal kingdom.)
2. What are the birth pangs through which the world must go first?
3. What does the word apostasy mean?
4. What is a necessary component to it? (There must be a point from which a person falls away.)
5. How does a person become an apostate?
6. Who are the messengers of the devil?

 

1 Timothy 4:2-3a

Paul went on to say how the messengers accomplish their devilish task. They did it by pretending the lies they were telling to be the truth. They made the false look attractive. Their consciences had been seared to the point that they did not know right from wrong. As the Scriptures said they saw evil as good and good as evil. (See Isaiah 5:20)

 

Two of their teachings came from the belief that all matter was evil. They did not want people to get married or the eating of certain foods. The food about which they specifically spoke was meat. These acts would hinder the channeling of the spirits working in a person’s life.

 

1. What is a hypocrite?
2. In what ways is the life of a hypocrite a lie?
3. What is the end result of a life of hypocrisy? (The conscience is seared to the point of not know right from wrong.)
4. Why did those who promoted gnostic thought prohibit marriage? (It would make a person less spiritual.)

 

1 Timothy 4:3b-5

Paul wanted the church to know that all that God had created, including all kinds of food, was good. Followers of Christ are to be grateful for everything that God had provided. They make it holy by prayer and believing that God’s word is true in regard to all of creation.

 

1. How are believers to view what God has provided for us?
2. How do we show that we believe that all that God has made is good? (By receiving it with gratitude.)
3. What is the source of our understanding of sanctification?

 

1 Timothy 4:6

The focus of the rest of chapter 4 is on Timothy, his spiritual wellbeing and the responsibilities that lay before him. Paul begins with what he is to do in the church at Ephesus. Timothy is to get the people by following sound doctrine and away from the false teachers who were out to destroy the church. In order to do that he was to continue to spend time in God’s word which he had been following since childhood. (See 2 Timothy 4)

 

1. What was one of Paul’s greatest concerns? (Timothy’s spiritual wellbeing.)
2. What was the important task that Timothy was given? (To refute the teachings of those who held to the gnostic doctrine.)
3. What was Timothy to do that would give him the strength to face the difficult task that lay ahead of him.)
4. How important is the daily nourishment on God’s word to you?
5. What might you consider as a more important source by your actions?
6. How have those things to which you have given priority over the Bible and prayer helped you?

 

1 Timothy 4:7-9

Having given him the means to grow, Paul then warned him about those things to avoid. He was not to be caught up in silly fairy tales like old women would tell their children. This would also include those discussions that would cloud his mind and keep him from making a clear presentation of the sound doctrine. Paul spoke of two different disciplines. One only helped the body to be strong, which would only last for a lifetime at most. The other was spiritual discipline that would strengthen a man’s walk that would last into eternity. In no way was Paul discounting the benefit of physical exercise. At the same time he wanted to make sure that the temporal never supersedes one’s spiritual strengthening. For man it should be a forgone conclusion that godliness supersedes all that is temporal.

 

1. What kinds of things would be considered worldly fables? (Silly statements like if God is so powerful can He build a stone so big that he could not lift it.)
2. What is the danger of such discussions?
3. What are the two different disciplines that Paul discussed?
4. Which is more important to you?
5. Why is it important to make that distinction in your life?
6. What does mean by the statement that godliness over the physical is an acceptable statement?

 

1 Timothy 4:10-11

The very thing for which Paul and hopefully Timothy had worked so hard was to ingrain the very concept of godliness into the lives of the people in the church of Ephesus. The reason that they worked tirelessly was the assurance they had received from the living God, Jesus Christ, through whom every man could find salvation. The most important command Paul gave Timothy was to teach others all he had learned.

 

1. What is the thing that drove Paul and Timothy to labor and strive?
2. What does the assurance they had found mean to you?
3. How do you share that hope with others?
4. In what ways have you sometimes felt like giving up on sharing Christ with others?
5. Why did Paul never give up?
6. Why did Paul call Timothy to teach?
7. What is God calling you to do?

 

1 Timothy 4:12-

Because of Timothy’s age there might be those who did not feel he was old or mature enough to be in the position of overseer in the church. Paul encouraged him and gave some commands that would help him overcome their prejudices or biases toward him. By his

• Speech, he should make people think of Jesus
• Conduct, His lifestyle should reflect Jesus in everyway
• Love, It should be unconditional and compassionate wanting the very best for those among whom he ministered.
• Faith, It needed to be strong as an example
• Purity, He should in no know way allow his life to be defiled by the world.

 

By all of those things he would be an example to other believers.

1. In what ways can you no matter what your age gain the respect of those around you?
2. How do you want the adults in your life to view you?
3. How do the attributes that Paul named for Timothy reflect the way you want to live?
4. Where do you believe you fail the most?
5. In which of them do you believe you have had success?
6. What are you willing to do to change?

 

1 Timothy 4:13-15

From what is said here Paul believed that Timothy had been gifted by God and ordained by the elders of the church to proclaim God’s word through exhortation, teaching and preaching. Paul admonished him to fulfill that call by sharing the word in a public way continuously. He had already indicated the only way that he could carry out that ministry was to be continually nourishing himself on the word. His was not to be a half-hearted effort but he was to give himself totally to sharing the word. By doing so men would truly recognize him as a man of God.

 

1. What indicates what Timothy’s spiritual gift was?
2. How did Paul call Timothy to use that gift?
3. If you know, what is your spiritual gift?
4. How are you using it?
5. What other attributes are necessary that others will see you as a person of God? (Besides your spiritual gifts you should approach your service with great passion and commitment, using your abilities to the greatest extent, allowing your personality to come forth and using your experiences to help others going through similar circumstances.)
6. What are some of the things that you from succeeding in a ministry? (Not in the area of your spiritual gift for one thing or you do not have the passion for what you are trying to accomplish.)

 

1 Timothy 4:16

Being away from Timothy and able to continue to encourage him in person Paul wanted to make sure that Timothy was careful not to be led astray by the false teachings that were taking place all around him. It is so easy for the strongest Christian to get caught up in the web of a cult. Timothy was to take care of himself by staying grounded in God’s word and teaching the truth. If he continued in those things he would certainly save himself from the false teachings but would able to keep others from being misled as well.

 

1. What were the ways that Timothy was to pay close attention to himself? (By staying grounded in all Paul had taught him from the Scriptures.)
2. How could someone like Timothy go astray? (By turning his back on the truth.)
3. What steps are you taking in your life to make sure you are not led astray into some liberal theology or a cult?
4. By staying true to God’s word what can you accomplish? (Keeping others from falling away.)

 

• One thing came through over and over. You need to continue to nourish your spiritual life by reading and heeding God’s word.
• Understand by becoming knowledge in God’s truth so, you will not be led astray by false teachers.
• Read books and articles and listen and watch trusted men and women whose message is based on the Word of God. Authors like Tim Keller, Ravi Zacharias, Matt Chandler and Dallas Willard are good places to start.
• You may have other favorites who you trust. Share them with others to build their faith.
• Be careful of those who teach falsely even though popular.

 

We must be on guard today against the drift by many denominations into their own form of Gnosticism. Our call as leaders is to guide all of us to be disciples to make disciples. The term disciple means a student of a teacher. The teacher we are to follow is Jesus. In order to follow and learn about Him we need to go to the source of His story the Bible. By following this approach we can become a strong witness in a world. Any thing short of that strategy would position ourselves to be used to undermine the truth. Thankfully, Bethany Place is well known for its conservative view on the Bible. We need to make sure that this never changes. The more we help all each other grow the more impact we can have in our community and the world.

 

Paul admonished Timothy to continue to be strong and to use his spiritual gifts in leading the church. One way that we can make sure that our church continues is to continue to raise up leaders for those ministries that help us grow and serve. In order to do that it is important for each of us to discover our spiritual gifts then be willing to use them. As Rick Warren has said, “A Christian who does not serve is a misnomer. We are called to serve. We are called to proclaim the truth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 3

Qualities of a Leader

1 Timothy 3:1-16

 

I am certainly not an expert on the subject of leadership. If I were, I would be writing books and lecturing around the country sharing my expertise. Having said that there are obvious examples of those who should not be in leadership roles. Many years ago George Barna did a survey of pastors. From that survey it was determined that only a small percentage of them believed that they received the gift of leadership. This means that there is a shortage in the very place where it is needed the most. I have seen this problem in every church that I have attended. It is hard to find those who are willing to take positions of giving direction to the ministry and people of the church. One example I have seen that is indicative of this problem is the lack of interest of participating in leadership training. Over the years we have provided opportunities for men and women to learn from some of the best people in the Southern Baptist Convention. Sadly the attendance was always very low. Even in the state convention there are not as many meetings for leaders to learn how to lead.

 

Within the church all too often those who fill the positions of leadership come from the ranks of those who are the most recognizable among the people. The same is true in the political and secular world. The choosing of people to fill the positions sometimes follows the pattern of the “Squeaky wheel gets the oil.” Sometimes those who are not gifted to provide leadership are put in those positions to the detriment of the church. Those who are not gifted will not have the heart to do the job well. Paul is going to speak of those who he considered qualified.

 

1 Timothy 3:1

Paul stated that there was a truth he wanted the church to latch onto. It was there are some people who want to become leaders for all of the right reasons. Paul used a term that comes from the Greek word episkopos, which translated means bishop or overseer. One other word synonymous with episkopos is presbuteros from which comes the concept of elder. In reality they are one and the same. The men about which Paul spoke were those who in their hearts had a deep desire and believed they were call to give oversight and direction to the church as shepherds of the flock. To have that kind of heart is to perform a fine work.

 

1. What is the difference between the proper aspiration and coveting a leadership role in the church?
2. How do we recognize those who aspire to do a fine work?
3. What does it mean to give oversight to the church? (To shepherd or watch out for the best interest of the people.)
4. What are the words that Paul used to describe these leaders?
5. In what way is the term used at our church biblically accurate?

 

 

1 Timothy 3:2-3

Paul listed several characteristics that an Overseer/Elder were to possess. The things described below were pictures of what the world saw in a man. They were to be men who were:

• Above reproach. One in whom no fault can be found that would disqualify him.
• Husbands of one wife. There are a number of options that this verse may mean. But it means above all else that man is loyal to his wife.
• The word used here also means sober. The leader of the church should be one who takes the position seriously, thinks clearly and does not jump to conclusions or make frivolous decisions.
• Meaning well behaved.
• Because he is well behaved he holds a position of esteem among men.
• Enjoys having people into his home on a regular basis.
• Able to teach. A man who became an elder is one who had been willing to spend the hours necessary to gain the knowledge of God’s word and by his giftedness the ability to share it with others in a clear way.
• Not addicted to wine. Alcohol does not dominate or control his life. He would not be classified as a drunkard.
• Not pugnacious. He is not argumentative or violent towards others.
• Forgives the faults of others
• It is a desire to live alongside others in harmony.
• Free from the love of money. He was not to be greedy or covet what belonged to others.

 

1. To sum up these attributes what does these things say about a man?
2. Which of these do you see as very important in the church today?
3. Why did you choose those over the others?
4. What would happen to a church that accepted a man or men as leaders that did not have these characteristics?
5. How is a man able to fulfill them? (In the power of Christ.)

 

1 Timothy 3: 4-5

Paul moved from the more public aspect to the more private. What happened in the home could have been hidden for a while from the church. The consequences of a man’s actions would at some point become obvious. One other factor comes into play. The leader was not being a man of integrity if he allowed his home to fall a part while maintaining a outward appearance that he had everything under control in his home. In the mind of Paul the way a man managed his home and the way he tried to lead the church could not be separated. The same qualities would be needed to be successful in both venues.

 

1. In what ways are the characteristics listed above the same or different than those needed to be a good husband and parent?
2. Why did Paul believe that a person could not be a good leader in the church if he was not one at home?
3. What does the family constitute? (The smallest church and small group.)
4. If he were not able to operate well in that small arena how could he oversee the lives of others in a larger one?
5. What other examples in a man’s life would you think might disqualify him from a leadership role in church? (The way he behaves in the secular world.)

 

1 Timothy 3:6-7

There is always a danger in putting a new convert into a leadership position. They will all too often lack the spiritual maturity and skills to provide what is needed to give direction to a ministry. Remember Moses spent forty years in Midia, Joseph was in Egypt for thirteen years, David fled from Saul for over a decade, and Jesus did not begin His ministry until He was thirty. It took all of those years cultivate the character and skills they would need to lead the people. Having experienced so much they learned the great lesson of depending on God. A new convert may try to rely on himself and become bitter when things do not go well. The understanding of being discipled until one is ready to lead will keep him from the sin of pride that was the problem the devil had.

 

1. What happens to people who try to lead before they are ready?
2. Why do abilities one may possess sometimes not carry over into the new life as a follower of Christ?
3. What examples can you give of someone who was promoted too quickly?
4. Why was it important for the men I mentioned to wait before they were given leadership roles?
5. What is one tendency of new believer? (To rely on himself because he has not matured in his faith.)
6. How can pride set in when a new believer is given a position in the church?

 

1 Timothy 3:8-9

Paul then turns to describe the men who were deacons. Many of the characteristics of the deacons in the early church corresponded to those of the overseers/elders. The word from which deacon comes is diakonos. It means servant. They were to be men who served the body in the work that needed to be done for it to function well. These men were to be men:

• Of dignity, which meant they were to be serious about their work not taking it lightly.
• Who were not double-tongued. They were not to talk out of both sides of their mouth which means telling a person one thing and another one something entirely different. Their speech was to be straightforward and honest.
• Not addicted to wine or money.
• Who held to the gospel message of mystery of “Christ in you the hope of glory” as Paul had said in Colossians 1:27

 

Before those men could become deacons they must prove themselves over time to be worthy of the task they were given. As with the elders they were to be men of

good reputation.

 

1. What does the word diakonos mean? (Servant.)
2. How does the role of the deacon different than that of overseer/elder? (The deacon serves the church in different ministries while the elders give oversight and direction to the church.
3. What attribute did Paul specifically spell out for the deacon? (Not to be double-tongued.)
4. What does that characteristic mean?
5. How is it destructive in churches today?
6. What is the mystery of Christ to which they were called to maintain?

 

1 Timothy 3:11

Women, especially those who were wives of deacons, were also be those who were serious minded about the ministry of the church. He went on to list three other qualities they were to possess. They were to:

• Not be malicious gossips, who spread stories that would be destructive to the body of Christ.
• Be temperate, self controlled and vigilant in her life as the wife of a deacon.
• Be faithful in all things. She must be one who was dependable and consistent in her actions.

 

1. What would indicate that the women about whom Paul spoke here were the wives of deacons?
2. Why did Paul add the quality of not being a malicious gossip or slanderer when describing the women?
3. What are some of the ways that this happens in churches today?
4. How does it bring harm to the church? (It sets one group of people against another and thus divides the church.)
5. Why is the characteristic of temperance or self-control so important in our lives?
6. If Paul was describing you what are some things to which he would want you to be faithful and consistent?

 

1 Timothy 3:12

The deacons were called to have the same relationship to their wives and children as did the overseers/elders.

 

1. Why did Paul give this command to deacons? (All those in leadership have the same responsibilities to their families?
2. Are all of the above the criteria by which we select those in leadership rolesin place in our church?
3. If not why?

 

1 Timothy 3:13

To serve well brings honor to the deacons but more importantly to God. Because of their faithfulness it also points people to the Christ they have served.

 

1. What comes to the man who serves well? (honor and respect.)
2. By serving well who ultimately receives the honor and glory?
3. What does serving do for the cause of Christ? (By one’s faithfulness people are led to Christ.)
4. In what ways have you or do you want to serve that both gives honor to God and brings people to Christ?

 

1 Timothy 3:14-15

Paul obviously had been released from prison and hoped to go to Ephesus to be with Timothy. Because of the work Paul never knew whether he would be given an opportunity to minister that might prohibit him from leaving the place where there was fruit to be harvested. This letter had been sent to Timothy in case he was delayed. In it he provided instructions for the young man. They were to help him in conducting himself in the church of God. He described the church in three different ways.

• The source and founder of the church was God.
• The pillar
• The support of the truth.

 

1. What would indicate that Paul had been released from prison?
2. What might delay him from going to Ephesus?
3. Why had Paul written the letter in the first place?
4. Have you ever received a letter that gave instructions of how to move forward with the work to which you had been called?
5. How did Paul describe the household of God?
6. What do those three things mean to you?

 

1 Timothy 3:16

This verse almost appears to be a simple creed for Timothy and the church. It might also have been a hymn. It spoke of the mystery of godliness who was Christ Jesus. In Christ is seen the One who

• Became flesh
• Witnessed to by the Holy Spirit
• Seen by angels
• Proclaimed by Paul and others throughout the known world
• Was believed by those who heard the gospel and the mystery of godliness.
• Ascended into heaven to be with the Father until His eventual return for His people.

 

1. In what ways could you see this as a creed? (A creed is a declaration of beliefs. This certainly fits that description.)
2. How do these words speak to you?
3. Why was each of them important to Timothy and the church at Ephesus? (It refutes in a concise manner all of the false teachings that were being shared with the church.)
4. How do they help you?
5. How could you use them to witness to others?
6. What is the hope that they give you? (Christ is coming back.)

 

• Memorize verse 16 as a quick witnessing tool to point others to the truths of God’s word as it relates to Jesus Christ.
• Take great care in selecting the leaders to oversee the ministries of the church.
• Review the qualifications of leaders and make them personal in your own life.
• Discover your spiritual gifts to be prepared to serve accordingly.

 

Leadership in churches is too an important issue as to be taken lightly. Those who volunteer to serve should be interviewed to discover if they are gifted in that area of ministry and have the skills and passions to serve there. All too often the leadership is chosen from among those who are the most visible and outspoken. They may be very successful in the secular world but those skills may translate into the life of the church. The list of qualities Paul gave us as a standard for selecting elders or deacons is a good standard by which candidates can evaluated. Not everyone is gifted to lead, but each of us is shaped by God for some type service. We are never to use the fact that we have not been given certain gifts to do nothing at all. Every gift is important, let each of us serve in the manner for which we have been equipped.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 2

Personal Thoughts

1 Timothy 2:1-15

 

When I began writing the lessons some three years ago one of the things that I said had to do with the way I presented the material. My thoughts then are reinforced by the lesson today. I wanted everyone to know that I made no claim to being a theologian but would write according to what I had learned over many years of study. In our discussion about beginning to provide in house lessons we believed that we could address the attitudes and culture of Bethany Place. I have continued to have in mind what I thought might be the mindset of everyone in our classes on Sunday morning, that includes the young people who are studying the same text as the adult classes. The verses in 1 Timothy 2 reminded me once again how important it is to make the Word of God personal while remaining true to the teaching found in its pages.

 

As a church we need to take great care to holding the Bible up as the infallible word of God. We may discuss it and take it apart verse by verse but in the end we are to accept it as total truth. We may not even like what it teaches but we must understand that it has been written for our benefit. The problem in today’s society is we have decided that we can view the Bible as a buffet. Many theologians tell us that Scripture cannot be trusted. They tell us that many of the verses are not accurate. Atheists even say there is no God. In their minds all we have is a book full of myths. Paul did not feel that way and even based some of his arguments on the Old Testament. Last week we dealt with false teachers from within the church who were misleading others. He begins to look at what needs to occur within the body.

 

1 Timothy 2:1

He began with the highest priority of the church. All men were called to bring their requests to God. Today this is called supplications. Secondly, the people are to pray on behalf of others. They were to petition God for the needs of those individuals. Finally, included in every prayer should be thanksgiving to God for all He had done for them.

 

1. Why is prayer one of the highest priorities of any church? (Only as people come before the Father in prayer will He grant their requests.)
2. What are the three things that should be included in every prayer?
3. What do each of them mean?
4. How does it help to keep prayer from always being from a selfish standpoint?
5. Which of these do you have the most problem in remembering to include?

 

1 Timothy 2:2-4

The people were commanded to pray for those in positions of authority. In his day that would have included people like Nero who greatly persecuted and tortured Christians in the most cruel ways. The early Christians believed those in positions of leadership had been appointed by God for the well being of all people. Therefore they would not be rebellious and hopefully would be left alone to live out godly lives. Of course such a situation would never be easy but one may make life difficult for themselves by causing problems for those in power.

 

The attitude of a prayerful people was what God desired. They knew God had created man and loved all of His creation. God wanted every man to be saved and the prayers of the church might just be instrumental in bringing many to salvation as the unbeliever came to know the truth found only in Christ Jesus.

 

1. Who are to be the subjects of our prayers?
2. Who are those today for whom we are to pray?
3. In what ways do you find it easy or difficult to pray for the leaders of our country and the world?
4. What are the possible results of those prayers?
5. What is guaranteed if such prayers are not offered?

 

1 Timothy 2:5-6

Paul wanted them to remember that even in the most difficult circumstances that there was one thing of which they could be assured. God was God and Jesus was the only One who stepped in to represent man before God as a mediator. Christ’s one act on behalf of every person, including the Nero’s of the world, was to give Himself as the purchase price for every man’s soul. As Paul wrote in Galatians, Jesus came precisely at the time God had ordained for Him to appear on the earth.

 

1. Why did Paul stop to tell them once again of the work of Jesus Christ? (They may have forgotten that they were once in the same condition as Nero and every other lost person? (See Ephesians 2:1-3)
2. What does it mean for a person to be a mediator?
3. Why did Paul emphasize the fact that Jesus was the only mediator between man and God? (Jesus was the only One qualified by His sinless life to stand before the Father and represent man.)
4. What does it mean to be a ransom for someone else?
5. What did it mean that Jesus came at the proper time? (All conditions were right for His appearing.)

 

1 Timothy 2:7

There were some who were questioning Paul’s credentials as an apostle. He therefore stated once again what God had called him to do. God had appointed him as an apostle, herald and teacher of the word to the Gentiles that they might come to faith and find truth.

 

1. Why were some inside the church demeaning Paul? (To enhance their own position and promote their own teaching and agenda.)
2. How did Paul handle the situation?
3. What did he mean by the three terms he used?
4. From the very beginning who had been the recipients of his teaching?
5. What did he want to see happen in their lives?

 

1 Timothy 2:8

He then returned to his initial command to them. No matter what they faced in life, he wanted them to pray in a posture of reverence. It is important to note that they were to make sure that their lives were clean and pure as represented by the words holy hands. Their attitude was to be without wrath or dissension among them.

 

1. What was Paul trying to get across in this section of his letter? (Prayer)
2. What is to be the attitude when one is praying?
3. What are our thoughts to be towards God? (One of reverence and cleanliness of the heart?
4. Why did Paul have to emphasize the idea of praying without wrath? (It is difficult to pray for someone who is persecuting you.)
5. What does it mean for dissension to be taking place in a church?
6. Why is it difficult to communicate with God in an atmosphere of dissension?

 

1 Timothy 2:9-10

Paul then turned his attention to a subject that would have been better understood in his day and in a place like Ephesus. He gave Timothy instruction of what should be the position of women in the church. He began with an issue that is still prevalent in churches today. How should those who call themselves Christians dress? Paul called the women, and today could be extended to men and boys, to wear proper clothes in modest and discreet manner. He especially spoke to those dressed expensively. Rather than drawing attention by the way the women dressed, he wanted their godly behavior be on view to those who knew them.

 

1. Why did Paul deal with the issue of the way women should dress?
2. How does that affect the way we should dress today?
3. In what way is our dress a witness to the others of what we think of God and them?
4. What do we want people to focus on when they see us?
5. What did Paul mean by dressing modestly and discreetly?
6. In what ways do you think that this does or does not apply to us today?

1 Timothy 2:11-12

Having dealt with the issue of appearance he spoke of the behavior and position of women in the church. Although some of the things said still apply today, the particular writing was dealing with a situation that was real to the church of that day. In a least two places in this book Paul referred to some of the women as being gullible and unstable. (See 1 Timothy 5:11-13; 2 Timothy 3:6-7) It is obvious those women needed further instruction from the Elders/Overseers of the church. They were in no position to be in authority over men, but were to be students of the word as proclaimed by the leaders of the church.

This passage does not mean that women should never teach or hold positions of leadership in the church. The Southern Baptist Convention believes that in the positions of Elder/Overseers are roles defined in Scripture as being held by men. There is no distinction made for any other role between men and women.

 

1. In what way do you agree or disagree with Paul’s position relating to the women in Ephesus?
2. What do you see as roles in the church that women can fill according to Scripture?
3. How do you view what we have done at Bethany Place in line with examples throughout the Bible?
4. Who in the Bible is always given the authority to lead?

 

1 Timothy 2:13-14

As evidence of the position of man as the one in authority, he turns to the book of Genesis. His thoughts were:

• Adam was created first thus putting him in the place of authority. He would be the one who would instruct Eve according to what God had told him.
• Eve was deceived
• Adam was not deceived but willfully disobeyed because Eve gave him the fruit. Division in the family would have occurred if he had remained sinless and she was not.

 

This logic may not satisfy everyone, but Paul believed the fact that God had put Adam on the earth first meant that he would be in the position of authority. One commentator suggested that generally men think with their heads and women think with their hearts. Eve was deceived because the devil was sly enough to appeal to Eve’s head instead of her heart where she might have been able to resist his tricks.

 

1. In what ways do you agree or disagree with Paul’s logic?
2. What evidence would present to refute what he has said?
3. How does Scripture attest to his words?
4. Why do think that it should be different?
5. What do you think of the statement that women think with their hearts?
6. If it is true what implications did it have in Paul’s argument?
7. Why is the difference between men and women a beautiful thing?

 

1 Timothy 2:15

The idea here is not that women will find salvation in their souls because they have children. It is more of the idea of being torn between trying to be a good mother with all of its duties while trying to oversee a church with all of its demands. The more fulfilling of the two would be motherhood. They would be able to grow in their faith, and holiness and self-control. They would be free from the internal conflict that would occur as they tried to serve two masters.

 

 

1. What do you think Paul meant by women being preserved through motherhood?
2. What are some instances where families/society have had difficulties through not following traditional family roles?
3. What is the greatest reward for the family when Paul’s advice can be heeded?
4. What can husbands and fathers do to help raise godly families?
5. In the complex society in which we live today where there are single parent families and/or both parents work, how can the church step up and help out and/or not hurt the family?

 

• For one week pray for those in positions of authority even if you do not like them or their practices.
• Pray for the salvation of those who do not appear to know Jesus Christ
• Remember when you are praying the spiritual condition in which you once found yourself. (Ephesians 2:1-3)
• Honestly look at the way you dress to see if it is a good witness to those around you in every circumstance.
• Discover how God has gifted you and use those in accordance with the purpose for which He called you.

 

This has been a difficult lesson because it goes against so much of what we actually practice in the church. If we are honest with ourselves, how many of us are actually praying for those with whom we disagree? Paul calls each of us to spend time in petitioning God to do a work in their and our own hearts. The admonition he gave to the women of the church is for all of us. Our focus is to be on being the kind of examples that will draw people to Christ and not to ourselves. Everything in our life is to reflect Him. Remember in Matthew 5 how Jesus called us to be light and salt. Both of those qualities say we are to be a positive influence to those around us in our dress, speech and the way we act.

 

One of the most difficult parts of the text was Paul’s instruction to the church concerning leadership. In our world there are many opportunities to assume leadership roles. It might appear to many that Paul was making women second class citizens in the church. If you were to make a study of his view in other books, you would see the great affection and regard that he had for the service of a number of women. You will also notice that his fellow believers in the church were involved in many types of services, including prophesying. Throughout all of the writings the one position that was to be held by men was that of elder/overseer. Today many denominations call this role, pastor. This role is very demanding and quite often goes on every hour of every day. The only other professions that come even close to the demand on time would be those in the medical field. Paul saw this and knew that it was important for the unity of the family that men were to fill that role in the church. Today women teach and handle many leadership roles but the Bible stills holds the position of elder as the role men are to carry out.

 

We are to be thankful for those who believe they have been called and are willing to perform this demanding position. We are to be thankful also that God has gifted both men and women to fulfill the other roles in the church. It is important for each of us to understand our place in the work to which God has called the church.